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HMS President occupies one of the most coveted positions in the heart of London, just downstream of Tower Bridge, overlooking the entrance to St Katharine Docks. This stunning location, close to the Tower of London, and on the edge of the City in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, has its own purpose-built jetty which enables access to the river, and the berthing of small naval vessels. Interestingly, the Unit's location was used in the film, The Long Good Friday, and in June 2012, HMS President was at the centre of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant hosting the Royal Family furthermore, HRH Prince Philip was attached to HMS President while based in London during WWII. The rich history of the Unit includes its association with the author Ian Fleming, who was attached to HMS President during WWII as an intelligence officer. The Unit considers 007 to be 'one of its own' as it was the 'spiritual home' of 007 in the original Ian Fleming novels.
Recruiting across the Greater London area, HMS President is the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the country, maintaining a permanent Royal Navy presence in London, whilst offering reservists a full range of RNR career opportunities, combined with a vibrant sports and social programme. Along with its main London presence, an integral part of the Unit is Medway Division, located in the town of Rochester and attracting recruits from Kent, SE London and South Essex.
The London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was established in 1903. Its first training night was held at Fishmongers' Hall, later taking place on board HMS Buzzard on the Thames.
Berthed on the Thames at Blackfriars, HMS Buzzard was renamed HMS President in 1911.
Launched in 1918, the former Flower Class Q Ship, HMS Saxifrage, was renamed HMS President in 1922 and moored permanently on the Thames as Royal Naval Reserve drill ship.
In the 1930’s, HMS President was joined by HMS Chrysanthemum and they became a familiar sight along London's Embankment.
In 1988, both HMS President and HMS Chrysanthemum were sold and the Unit moved ashore to its current location in St Katharine Docks overlooking Tower Bridge.
The Unit exercised its 'privileged regiment status' during the Lord Mayor's Show, a civic honour granted by the City of London in 2016 allowing the ship's company to march with bayonets fixed.
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Training evenings take place every Tuesday 7:00PM - 9:00PM.
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